PhD in Bioprocess Technology: Automated Upstream

Fachhochschule Nordwestschweiz FHNW; Muttenz; Hybrid; CHF 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Mentoring programme

Teleworking option

Doctoral project support

University sports

Cultural programme

Equal pay

Job summary

FHNW Fachhochschule Nordwestschweiz in Muttenz invites applications for a PhD position in the Bioprocess Technology Lab. You will design, build and automate bioreactor setups with pumps, sensors, and filtration, and develop upstream processes leveraging the latest innovations.

The role involves runnning mammalian cell cultures, data analysis and presenting findings to industrial partners. The initial contract is one year, extendable to complete the PhD if milestones are met.

Qualifications

• MSc degree in biochemistry, bioprocess engineering, biotechnology, chemical or process engineering or a related field.
• Excellent scientific and technical track record, demonstrated experience building or modifying lab equipment and setups.
• Experience in mammalian cell culture technology, antibody or viral vector expression and purification.
• Hands-on experience with pumps and filtration systems in a bioprocess or process engineering context.
• Experience with sensors, data acquisition and/or process automation. Solid programming skills (Python, MATLAB, C/C++ or similar).
• Structured, independent and solution-oriented working style; passion for applied research and technical innovation.
• Team player in an international, interdisciplinary environment with industrial partners.
• Excellent written and spoken English; German is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Design, build and automate bioreactor setups, integrating pumps, flow sensors and peripheral equipment
• Develop and operate cell retention and filtration systems for perfusion and TFF processes
• Develop device communication, data acquisition and process control
• Run mammalian cell cultivations and analyze the data to validate new technologies and control strategies
• Troubleshoot hardware and software issues and propose creative technical solutions
• Present results in scientific publications, at international conferences and to industrial partners

Skills

Lab equipment design

Mammalian cell culture

Pumps and filtration systems

Sensors & data acquisition

Process automation

Programming (Python, MATLAB, C/C++)

Team player

English proficient

Education

MSc in biochemistry / bioprocess engineering / biotechnology / chemical or process engineering

Tools

Python

MATLAB

C/C++

Job description

FHNW Fachhochschule Nordwestschweiz in Muttenz invites applications for a PhD position in the Bioprocess Technology Lab. You will design, build and automate bioreactor setups with pumps, sensors, and filtration, and develop upstream processes leveraging the latest innovations.

The role involves runnning mammalian cell cultures, data analysis and presenting findings to industrial partners. The initial contract is one year, extendable to complete the PhD if milestones are met.